Mercedes May Warner, 31, of Rankin, IL, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. She was born on January 4, 1995, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Mike and Penny Hurt. They survive in Rankin, IL.
She is also survived by her infant daughter, Keelie Jo Warner; sister, Rylee Martin; brother, Shawn Hurt; grandmother, Linda Brenner; and aunt, Amy Warner.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Jerry Joe Warner; many great aunts and uncles and other family members; and her best friend, Raiven Vanier.
Mercedes had a contagious smile and laugh that could brighten any room. She had a larger-than-life personality and a special way of making everyone around her smile.
Family meant everything to Mercedes. She cherished family gatherings and spending time with those she loved. She especially enjoyed playing video games with her mom, family, and friends, as well as playing board games. Mercedes also enjoyed being in the garage with her dad helping him work on her vehicles. She shared a special bond with her grandpa and was proudly “Grandpa’s girl” until his passing. Mercedes enjoyed spending time in the kitchen with her grandma, where they would cook new recipes together.
Mercedes was an incredibly talented artist who loved drawing and coloring with colored pencils, markers, and crayons. She also loved singing, watching scary movies, playing sports, and was a Green Bay Packers fan. She loved being outdoors, especially during the summer months when she could be found fishing, walking through creeks, riding four-wheelers and ATVs, and shooting guns. She always looked forward to spending time with her friends and their kids, creating memories filled with laughter and fun.
Mercedes was previously employed at McDonald’s and later worked at Country Health Care & Rehab in Gifford as an activity and dietary aide. She especially enjoyed visiting and interacting with the residents, taking time to talk with them, and bringing smiles to their faces.
She had a special love for her pets. Her beloved cat, Izzy, often accompanied her in a cat backpack, while her dog, Chewy, enjoyed trips to the creek and cruising when the weather was good. They were more than pets to Mercedes; they were her cherished companions.
Mercedes will be remembered for her beautiful smile, infectious laughter, adventurous spirit, and the unconditional love she had for her family and friends. Although words could never fully capture the person she was, the memories she created and the happiness she brought to others will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Cremation rites will be accorded, and a visitation will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M. Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL 60942.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Mercedes eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.
